General Information:
- Nature of Activities: These are optional post-conference activities, primarily one-day trips.
- Costs: Tour fees are based on actual expenses and are to be covered by the participants.
The Organizing Committee has partnered with a tour company to offer recommended post-conference one-day tours for delegates (for options #3 to #6 in the list below).
- Pricing: Rates are based on July 2026 quotes and serve as a close reference for May 2027. Final prices will depend on group size, service tier (standard or deluxe), special requests and market conditions.
- Registration: Review the options and select your preferred tour during online registration on the conference website, or book directly with the tour company. Registration closes on March 2, 2027, after which the Organizing Committee will negotiate final group rates and confirm bookings.
- Payment: Delegates can pay for their tour directly to the partner travel agency during check-in on the afternoon of May 10, 2027 (from 2:00 PM) at the T78 Convention Center reception desk.
List of Options:
- Ninh Thuan Coastal Excursion: A two-day field trip focusing on seaweed biodiversity, utilization, and coastal ecosystems of South Central Vietnam. This trip is limited to 45 delegates. Tour A01: USD 100/person.
- ILS Main Campus Lab Visit: A technical tour of our research facilities. Tour A02: No fee required.
- Ho Chi Minh City Tour: Discover the vibrant landmarks and cultural heritage of Saigon. Tour A03: Price from USD 39-55/person*.
- Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve: A one-day trip to explore the “green lungs” of Ho Chi Minh City, a UNESCO-recognized site. Tour A04: Price from USD 45/person*.
- Historical Tour: A visit to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels and the magnificent Tay Ninh Holy See. Tour A05: Price from USD 62/person*.
- Mekong Delta Discovery: A scenic journey through the river life of Dong Thap and Vinh Long provinces. Tour A06: Price from USD 33-50/person*.
Note: * Tour prices are from Viet Fun Travel (July 2026). Detailed tour information is provided below.
One-Day Tours – Detailed Information
Tour 03: Best of Saigon Full-Day City Discovery Tour
Time: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM | Price from: USD 39 (group tour)-55 (private tour)/person
Experience the city’s three main facets in one day: War History, Colonial Architecture, and Chinatown (Chợ Lớn).
Tour Highlights
- War Remnants Museum & Independence Palace – Learn about Vietnam’s modern history through two of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
- French Colonial Landmarks – Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and the Saigon Opera House, showcasing elegant colonial architecture.
- Secret Weapon Bunker – Explore a hidden wartime bunker that once stored weapons during the Vietnam War.
- Cho Lon (Chinatown) – Experience the cultural charm of Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown with visits to Thien Hau Pagoda and Binh Tay Market.
- Historical Landmarks – Stop at the Thích Quảng Đức Memorial and Ben Nha Rong (Ho Chi Minh Museum) to gain deeper insight into Vietnam’s history.
Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off (central districts), English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant.
Tour 04: Can Gio Mangrove Tour
Time: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Group tour price from: USD 45/person
Escape the bustling city and discover the unique UNESCO-recognized Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, where nature, wildlife, and history come together.
Tour Highlights
- Can Gio Monkey Island – Meet over 1,000 free-roaming monkeys in their natural mangrove habitat. Keep personal belongings secure, as monkeys may try to grab items!
- Hoa Ca Crocodile Reserve – Observe one of the largest crocodile conservation areas in southern Vietnam.
- Rung Sac Revolutionary Base – Enjoy a scenic canoe ride through the mangrove forest while exploring this historic wartime base.
- Can Gio Seafood Market – Experience the vibrant local seafood market and sample or purchase freshly caught seafood.
- Binh Khanh Ferry Crossing – Take in picturesque river views on the journey between Ho Chi Minh City and Can Gio.
Included: Round-trip transportation, English-speaking guide, canoe ride, entrance fees, and an authentic Southern Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant.
Tour 05: Black Virgin Mountain, Cao Dai Temple & Cu Chi Tunnels Day Tour
Time: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Group tour price from: USD 62 /person
Experience three of Southern Vietnam’s most iconic destinations in one unforgettable day, combining breathtaking mountain scenery, unique religious culture, and fascinating wartime history.
Tour Highlights
- Black Virgin Mountain (Ba Den Mountain) – Ride a modern cable car to the highest peak in Southern Vietnam (986m) and admire the giant bronze Buddha statue with panoramic views.
- Cao Dai Holy See – Witness the colorful midday prayer ceremony at the spectacular Cao Dai Temple, home to one of Vietnam’s most unique religions.
- Cu Chi Tunnels – Explore the famous underground tunnel network, discover hidden bunkers, trapdoors, and wartime survival techniques.
- Traditional Cassava Tasting – Enjoy boiled cassava and local tea, the simple staple food once eaten by Vietnamese soldiers.
- Optional Shooting Experience – Try firing an AK-47 or other military firearms at the on-site shooting range (optional, extra charge).
Included: Round-trip transportation, English-speaking guide, round-trip cable car ticket, entrance fees, local lunch, bottled water, cassava tasting, and local tea.
Tour 06: Mekong Delta Day Tour (Dong Thap – Vinh Long)
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Price from: USD 33 (group tour) -50 (private tour)/person
Discover the peaceful beauty of the Mekong Delta as you cruise along scenic waterways, visit traditional villages, and experience the authentic lifestyle of Southern Vietnam.
Tour Highlights
- Vinh Trang Pagoda (built in 1849) – Visit one of the most beautiful and historic pagodas in the Mekong Delta.
- Mekong River Cruise & Unicorn Islet – Enjoy a motorboat cruise along the Mekong River and explore the famous Unicorn Islet.
- Traditional Village Experience – Visit a bee farm, taste honey tea and tropical fruits, and enjoy live Đờn Ca Tài Tử (UNESCO-recognized Southern folk music).
- Sampan Boat Ride – Glide through peaceful canals shaded by lush water coconut palms in a traditional hand-rowed sampan.
- Ben Tre Coconut Village – Visit a coconut candy workshop and discover local handicrafts made from coconut.
- Lambro Ride or Horse Cart – Experience the countryside aboard a vintage Lambro motor-tricycle or a traditional horse cart.
Included: Round-trip transportation, English-speaking guide, motorboat and sampan rides, entrance fees, tropical fruits, honey tea, coconut candy tasting, and a traditional Mekong Delta lunch at a local restaurant.